From time to time, we all need to de-stress. Children are no different and, in this article, we’ll outline some of our top tips for helping them to do so.
Physical activity is vital for healthy growth and development. It doesn’t just help to build their strong muscles but has a positive impact on their sleep, it reduces any anxiety feelings and boosts self-esteem. This is because during physical activity our bodies release endorphins, which create a positive feeling.
Music can be a wonderful tool for relaxation and for children, it can be particularly beneficial. It can create a peaceful environment that helps them unwind, making it easier to transition from active play to quiet time or bedtime.
Soft and peaceful melodies in particular can help children feel more positive about life, improving their overall mental and emotional wellbeing.
A feeling of total relaxation can be achieved by this simple breathing technique which slows the breathing rate and decreases their heart rate. Teach your child to meditate by asking if they can take a few deep breaths and hold it for a few seconds before releasing it. On inhaling, the abdomen should expand, not the chest.
Once your child learns this you can weave any positive message and visualisation while meditating and listening to calm music, apart from relaxing one's mind, this technique also boosts one's confidence and makes your child feel more positive. Also, yoga is a fantastic way to enjoy all these relaxation benefits combined with exercise.
Make sure there is still time to play and switch off from the routine during the busy family schedule. Encourage your child to take breaks and step away from their routine activities. This downtime is crucial for their wellbeing, allowing them to recharge and manage their own time. By giving them the freedom to take ‘time off’, you help them develop a healthy balance between responsibilities and leisure, creating a sense of independence and self-regulation.
Family time is hard to come by in the world of modern technology. Whether you or your partner find it difficult to switch off your work phone, or your child has a lot of homework, or wants to play with their friends, family time can be a rare commodity.
However, making an effort to schedule family time can be incredibly rewarding and beneficial for the entire family. This might involve setting specific times during the week when everyone can come together, free from distractions. This could be as simple as sharing a meal, playing a board game, or going for a walk. These moments of being together help strengthen family bonds, create lasting memories, and provide a sense of support and connection that benefits everyone involved.
The ability to laugh and see the bright side of life is crucial when raising a happy and resilient child. Laughter not only brings joy but also helps in building strong emotional bonds within the family, and it creates a positive atmosphere where children feel safe and loved.
When parents model positive thinking and a good sense of humour, children learn to approach challenges with optimism and build resilience. This mindset helps them navigate life’s ups and downs more effectively, with a healthier outlook on life. Encouraging laughter and positive thinking can significantly contribute to a child’s overall wellbeing.
Experts say that picturing positive things makes you feel happy as well as helping you to change your focus. Encourage your child to imagine something they like, positive images or bright colours. Create a calm environment, encouraging your child to lie down, play soothing music and use a soothing voice. Lead them through positive or various scenarios which will make your child feel positive, relaxed and happy.
If you enjoyed this article, you can check out more of our early childcare resources in our Family Resource Zone.
And, if you’re not yet a Bright Horizons parent, but are interested in what our nurseries can offer your child on their exciting educational journey, book a personal tour at your local nursery today!